The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) have conducted an integrated operations called “Op Pedo” yesterday which resulted in the arrest of 13 suspects over online paedophilia activities. The joint operations is aimed at tracking down sexual crimes against children online especially on social media and to raise awareness among parents about the responsibility to ensure safety and protection of their children.
According to the official statement, 13 local men aged between 20 and 74 years old were arrested in raids conducted in 6 states namely Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Pulau Pinang, Perak, Johor and Terengganu. The suspects are remanded under section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
During the raid, the authorities have found approximately 40,000 Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and adult pornography on various devices at the raided premises. They have also confiscated 7 computers, a laptop, 11 phones and 16 units of modems and routers for investigation.
13 investigation papers have been opened for possessing CSAM under Section 10 of Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 and possessing pornography under Section 292 of the penal code.
The police has urged the public including teenagers and children to increase self-control, maintain moral boundaries and social etiquette online to avoid falling as a victim. The public are also urged to report any misuse of network services to the authorities.
Child sexual grooming are among the top concerns and justifications for social media licensing which is set to take into effect on 1st January 2025. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has repeatedly urged social media platforms such as Meta to be more proactive in combating criminal activities especially for Facebook groups linked to Paedophilia and scams.
[ SOURCE ]
